Combined ignition and lighting generator



June 12, 1923. 1,458,139

. L- J. LE PONTOIFB COMBINED IGNITION AND LIGHTING GENERATOR Original Filed Aug. 23, 1917 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 fizz/@2250) June 12,1923. 1,458,139 L. J. LE PONTOIS COMBINED IGNITION AND LIGHTING GENERATOR Original Filed Aug. 23, 1917 7 She ets-Sheet 2 fig.

June l2, 1923.

PONTOEE COMBINED IGNITION AND LIGHTING GENERATOR Original Filed Aug. 23 1917 7 Sheets-$heet 5 June 12, 1923.

L, J. LE PONTOIS COMBINED IGNITION AND LIGHTINV GENERATOR Original Filed. Aug. 23 1917 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 I June 12, 1923. 1 ,458,] 39

L. J. LE FONTQXE COMBINED IGNITION AND LIGHTING GENERATOR Originajl Filed Aug. 23 1917 '7 Sheets-Sheet '5 9 5 f! A mmex '7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Ju ne 12, 1923 .L. J' LE PONTOES COMBINED IGNITION AND LIGHTING GENERATOR Original Filed Aug. 23 1917 June 12, 1923.

L J. LE PoNTOss COMBINED IGNITION AND LIGHTING GENERATOR.

Original Filed Aug. 23 191? Inventor g2 M Y EZZw d 7% PatentedJune 12, 1923.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

LEON J. LE PONTOIS, OF LAKEWOOD, OHIO, ASSIGNOR TO THE TEAGLE COMPANY, OF

CLEVELAND, OHIO, A

CORPORATION OF OHIO.

COMBINED IGNITION AND LIGHTING GENERATOR.

Application filed August 23, 1917, Serial No. 187,787. Renewed October 25, 1922. -Serial No. 596,895.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, LnoN J. LE PoN'rois, a citizen of the United States, residing at Lakewood, in the county of Cuyahoga and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Combined Ignition and Lighting Generators, of which the following is a. specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying draws- This invention relates to high tension ignition current generators of the inductor type and has to do especially with the attainment of an adequate spark range.

The prime object of the invention is the production ofa high tension inductor generator capable of operating at maximum efficiency throughout a wide spark range and which is at the same time compact and rugged as to construction and reliable in operation.

A further object of the invention is the production of a generator such as last referred to which is adapted to be run at arelatively low speed of operation in connection with high speed internal combustion engines.

The present invention has been developed in connection with a combined generating unit for the generation of direct low tension current as well as high tension ignition cur rent and, as an illustrative embodiment of I the invention, such a. combined unit type of construction is presented in the accompanying drawings in which,

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the combined unit with a portion ofthe structure broken away and the low tension current generator shown in vertical section.

Fig. 2 a central longitudinal vertical section on an enlarged scale through the high tension current generator of the unit.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary sectional detail of a part of the distributor.

Fig. 4 is a transverse vertical section on the line -l- ..of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a transverse vertical section on the broken-line 5-5 of Fig. 2.

Fig. (J is a fragmentary horizontal section on the line 6-6 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic View of the wir ing of the generating unit.

Fig. 8 is a. transverse vertical section corresponding to Fig. 4 but showing a modified form of construction.

Fig. 9 is a. transverse vertical section illustrating the circuit breaker employed with the form of construction shown in Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a transverse vertical section corresponding to Fig. 4 but showing another modified form of construction. Fig. 11 is a transverse vertical section illustrating the form of circuit breaker adapted for use with the generator illustrated in Fig. 10.

In the construction illustrated in Figs. 1 to 7 inclusive, which is designed for use with a'four cylinder engine, 1 indicates as entirety the stationary structure for the magnetic fields of the unit and 2 a rotor mounted therein. The stationary field structure consists of a main frame part l for the low tension generator, the main frame part ,1" of the high tension generator rigidly secured by bolts 3 to the frame part 1, a. Series of pole pieces 1 suitably secured to the frame section 1, and a group of iron laminae 1 positioned in the open end of the section 1 and secured therein by screws 4.

In the construction illustrated the frame section 1 is provided with four equally spaced poles 1, each of which carries an exciting winding 5. The field section 1 is formed with an annular axially positioned polar projection 6 upon which is mountedan exciting winding 7. The polar projection formed by the laminae 1 is surrounded by a high tension generating winding 8 consisting of a relatively coarse low tension section 8 and a relatively fine high tension section 8".

The rotor 2 consists of a shaft 9; a low tension armature 10 mounted on one end of the shaft, and a. laminated iron flux distributor 11 mounted on the other end of said shaft. To permit the use of steel for the shaft 9, the flux distributor 11 is notmounted directly upon the shaft but upon an iron sleeve 12 of good magnetic qualities, said a sleeve being rigidly secured to the shaft. The rotor shaft is mounted at its respective ends in anti-friction bearings 13 and 11, the bearings 13 being mounted in aframe casting 15 which is rigidly secured to the field frame section 1 and serves to close the end of the frame structure. The casting 15 also serves to carry the low tension generator brushes, one of which is shown at 16. ,The other bearing 14: is mounted in a casting 17 which is secured by screws 18,

outer parts 01' the I ing him to the open end of the field frame section 1". To reduce the weight of the apparatus both the castingslo and 17' may be formed of a suitable aluminum alloy.

The laminated i'lllX distributor 11, as shown in Figs. 2, 4 and 6, has two diametrically opposite polar faces 11, 11". The distributor rotates within a flux shifter designated as an entirety by 19 and consisting, in the construction illustrated, of a cylindrical non-magnetic carrier 1 and laminated iron sections 19", 19. The carrier 19, which can be made of suitable light material such as hard rubber, has a nice turning fit within the cylindrically formed inner surface of the field frame section 1", as shown in Figs. 2 and 4, so that it can be'angularly adjusted. The laminated iron section 19 is disposed adjacent the polar face of the stationary laminae 1, while the laminated section 19 has its exterior surface adjacent the cylindrical interior surface of the fieldframe section 1". r

T 0 permit the flux shifter 19 to be readily adjusted angularly, it-is provided with pins 20, 20 which extend outward through arcuate slots 17 in the casing 17. On the pins 20 is mounted a casting 21, said casting having a cylindrical part 21 which fit within cylindrical walls formed on the casting 17 and a pair of diametrically opposite arms 21*, 21 which are perforatedto receive-the pins 20. The cast- 21 is secured in position on the pins 20 by nuts 22, 22 and springs 23, 23 interposed between the nuts and the arms of the casting.

Thus secured, the casting 21 is held snugly in position but with-freedom for angular adjustment, the casting being provided with apivot lug 21 to which may be connected any suitable actuating devices for turning tilt the casting 21 in its cylindrical mounting and thereby adjusting the flux shifter 19 angularly.

On the outer side of the bearings 14 the rotor shaft 9 carries a pinion 24 and a circuit breaker cam 25. The other parts of the circuit breaker mechanism are mounted on the casting 21 as shown in Figs. 2 and 5. The breaker has a stationary electrode 26 mounted on a yoke 27 which is secured to, but insulated from, the casting 21 as shown in Fig. 2. The movable electrode 28 of the circuit breaker is mounted on-a lever arm 29 which is pivoted to a stud 30 carried by the casting 21. The lever 29 carries a contact block 31 arranged to engage the cam 25 toward which it is yieldingly pressed by a spring 32 which is operatively connected at one end to the lever arm 29 and at its other end to a post 33 mounted on casting 21. The cam 25 is formed with diametrically opposite fiat faces which permit the spring 32 to move the electrode 28 into engagement with the electrode 2 6, and with diametrically opposite cylindrical faces which HH'WO the electrodes out of engagement. The construction obviously provides tor the closing and opening of the circuitthrough the breaker twice for each revolution of the rotor.

The breaker mechanism is enclosed by a cup-like casing or cap 554 which his over the. casting 21. As shown in Fig. 2, the yoke 2? is formed with an axially extending threaded post 2?" which passes through an aperture in the cap 31.

is indicated in Fig. 7, one terminal 01' the coarse section 3 of the generating winding 8 grounded. while the other terminal of said section is connected to a post 35 which is mounted in but insulated from the casting 17 of the frame.

The post 35 at its outer end carries links 36 which connect it to the post 27. in this way the coil 8 is connected through the post 35, links 36 and yoke 27 to the fixed electrode 26. The links 36 are swiveled on the post 35 and are formed at their upper ends with open ended slots which permit. them to be readily disengaged from the post 27 and thrown downward, as indicated in Fig. 5, to permit the removal 01" the casing 34. The links 36 are held in normal working position by a thumb nut 37. The casing 34 is suitably insulated, as shown, from the yoke 27 and links 36.

38 is a condenser which is rigidly mounted as shown in Fig. 2 on the inner wall of the frame part 1 and is electrically connected in parallel with the breaker electrodes as indicated in Fig. 7.

Any suitable distributing mechanism can be employed in connection with the high tension section of the generating winding. Tn

the preferred construction shown the ro- I tating part of the distributor comprises a gear wheel 39 which is rotatably mounted in a bearing sleeve 40 carried by the casting 17, This gear wheel meshes with and is driven bythe pinion 24. An insulation block 41 is fixedly mounted on the gear wheel 39, having. a tubular hub part fitting within the hub of the gear wheel. 42 is a. radially arranged metallic socket imbedded within the block 41 and in this socket is slidably mounted a plunger-like brush 43 which is pressed outward by the coil spring 44.

A bracket 45 of insulating material is rigidly secured to the inner wall of the casting 17 adjacentthe generating coil 8. The bracket 45 is recessed on its inner face to receive a conductor '46 and at its lower end the bracket is formed with a tubular outward extension 45 disposed within the tubular hub part of the block 41. The conductor 46. is connected at its upperend to one terminal. of the fine section 8* of the generating winding, and at its lower end is connected to a conductor 47 which in turn is connected to a metallic socket 48 in which is mounted Q cated, 'or to some other suitable source of current supply, a field is established by said a spring-pressed brush 49 that bears against the inner part of the socket 42. The terminal of ,the coil 8 is thus electrically connected to the brush 43.

The stationary part of the distributor comprises the combined insulation block and cover plate 50 which is fitted to the casting 17, being detachably secured thereto by spring fingers 51, 51. The inner side of the block 50 is recessed to receive the rotating member 41 of the distributor and in the inner cylindrical wall of itsrecess are exposed the stationary distributor segments 52, one of which is shown in Fig. 3. In the construction as shown in F igs. 2 and 5. there are four distributor segments each of which is formed at its outer end with a binding post 52 for the attachment of a conductor 53 which leads to a spark plug of the engine. As the moving parts of the distributor rotate, the brush 43 successively engages the segments 52 in a well known manner;

In the construction shown in Fig. 2 I have made special provision for the lubrication of the rotating parts of the distributor by forming the casting 17 with an oil chamber 54 which is provided with any suitable absorbent packing 55 and a spring 56 which presses the packing upward against the hub of the gear 39. The casting 17 is also formed with an oil supply duct 57- which communicates at its lower end with the oil chamber 5st.

The exciting winding 7 for the high tension circuit may be energized from any suitable source, but I prefer to connect it with the terminals of the low tension generator and with a storage battery 58 as indicated in 7. One terminal of the low tension generator is connected through an automatic cutout 59 which may be of any suitable construction. The leads from the battery and generator go to lights, engine starter and control switches as indicated.

With the exciting winding 7 connected to the storage battery and generator as indi winding which is peculiar, with respect to the magnetic circuit, to the present invention. The path of the magnetic flux of this field leads from said coil through the frame member 1, thence either through the laminae 1 and the section 19* of the flux shifter to the flux distributor -11, or, more directly, through the by-pass afforded by the section 19 of the flux shifter, to the flux distributor 11. From the laminated fiux distributor the path of the flux leads through the sleeve 12, thence through the exciting coil 7 and back again into theframe member 1 In other words, the'magnetic circuit of the high tension generator is homopolar and there is no reversal of fiux in anypart of the circuit.

The' p t n of the comb ned generating unit in a system such as is contemplated will be readily understood. When it is desired to start the internal combustion motor with which the generator is to be used, the circuit from the battery 58 through the exciting winding 7 should be closed. If a switch, such as the one indicated at 60, is employed, it should be actuated to close the circuit. Current will then flow from the battery 58 through the exciting coil 7 and establish the field of the high tension generator. Then, if the engine is started the rotor of the generator, turning in unison with the engine crank shaft, causes the simultaneous generation of direct low tension currentin the armature 10 and a high tension ignition current in the generating winding 8.

The low tension generatlng parts of the unit as shown are of well known standard.

construction and operate in the usual manner.

\Vith respect to the high tension generating parts, as the rotor turns in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 4, the cycle of operation is as follows. lVith the parts in the positions indicated in Fig. 4, the flux through the generating coil 8 is at a maximum and,-

as indicated in Fig. 5, the circuit through the coarse section 8 of said winding is open. As movement of the rotor continues from the position shown in Fig. 4, the density of the .fiux through the generating winding tends to decrease and after a short movement the cam 25 moves into position to permit the breaker to close. Then decrease of the flux through the generating winding becomes more and more rapid, the rate of decrease reaching its maximum as the front edge of the distributor pole 11 begins to overlap the iron section 19 of the flux shifter and the rear edge of the pole face 11 is about to leave the laminated section 19* of said shifter. At this point of maximum flux decrease the circuit through the coarse winding 8 of the generating coil is interrupted by the breaker mechanism and a high tension voltage is set up across the terminals of the spark plug which is then in the elec-.

tric circuit of the fine wire section 8" of the generating winding, through the instrumentality of the distributor mechanism. This voltage reaches such a value that the dielectric between the spark plug terminals is punctured and the circuit established by a spark. The high tension ignition current thus established across the spark is sustained by the mechanical energy expended in the fieldby the rotation of the flux distributor, and the ignition spark secured has a high and well sustained heat value, just as in the case of the standard direct high tension magneto.

As the movement of the rotor continues the front edge of the pole 11 of the flux distributor finally comes opposite the ron section 19 of the flux shifter, thereby establishing the flux path through the generating coil, and begins to increase the flux density of the flux thcrethrough, it finally reaching its maximum when the rotor has moved 180 from the position shown in Fig. 4e. Thereupon, as the rotation continues, the cycle of operations which has been described is repeated, two sparks being generated for each revolution of the rotor so that the generator can be driven at crank speed, when used with a four cylinder engine.

Since only decreasing in the generation of the ignition currents, both high and low tension, it will be seen that, in accordance with the law of Lenz, the magneto-motive force of the current induced 18 in a, direction to oppose the decrease of flux and thus, since the generating winding does not change its position in re lation to the exciting coil 7 is in the same direction as the magnetomotive force of said coil. v v j c To retard the spark for slow starting speeds and to advance it for high speeds, it is only necessary to angularly shift the casting 21 which simultaneously effects a corresponding angular adjustment of the breaker electrodes in relation to the actuating cam andof the flux shifting iron sections 19 and 19 in relation to the flux distributor 11. Thus a spark of maximum heat value is assured for all positions of. advance and retard.

I am aware that angularly adjustable fiux shifters are not broadly new, but applicant is believed to be the first to devise a device of this character in connection with the in ductor type of generator and especially in connection with a homopolar magnetic circuit, that is, one in which the stator, rotor and generating winding are maintained in homopolar relation to each other. In a .magnetic circuit of this sort, with no reversal of the flux through the generating winding, the lamination of the iron flux shifting sections 19 and 19 is particularly advantageous in securing the requisite rapid variation of the flux through the generating winding as the rotor turns. In the con-,

struction shown the flux shifter is not only supported with great firmness on its broad supporting bearings so that it is adapted to withstand the severe operating conditions met in automobile practice, but is especially advantageous in a magnetic circuit, such as is illustrated. in which there are no losses incident to flux reversal in the iron parts.

When the system. including the combined generating unit, has just been started in operation, the voltage of the terminals of the direct current generator necessarily will be relatively low, andthe automatic cutout 59 should be regulated so that it will not flux density is used.

resales close the circuit between the direct current generator and the battery 58 until the voltage of the generator is superior to or at least equal to the voltage of the battery. During the operation of the system, should the direct current generator stop delivering the necessary voltage for any reason, the automatic cutout 59 will open the circuit between the direct current generator and the battery 58, and the battery 58 will continue to energize the exciting coil 7 and thereby obviate a discontinuance of proper operation of the ignition circuit.

\Vhenever, in the operation of the generator, the speed of rotation rises until the voltage of the direct current generator exceeds that of the battery, the cutout 59 will close and the generator will energize the exciting winding 7, whatever surplus current is generated by the direct current generator, over and above that necessary to energize said winding, being delivered to the storage battery 58.

in a system embodying the present invention, such as illustrated and described herein. an exceedingly small current is required for energizing the coil 7 sufiiciently to effect the generation in the high tension circuit of the desired value of spark. In fact it is found that the value of the exciting current required is several times less than that required in the principal battery ignition systems now in use. Indeed, in the present system the current drawn by the exciting coil 7 is so small that it can be left connected indefinitely with the storage battery without harming the latter. The system, accordingly, does not require an automatic cutout device between the battery and exciting coil.

It will be observed that all of the windings of the high tension generator are firmly mounted on stationary parts. This is, of course, especially advantageous in the case of the high tension generating windings. Furthermore. the form of the magnetic circuit of the high tension generator and the methodof operation makes possible an exceedingly efficient utilization of the field established by the excitingcoil 7. an exceedingly small exciting current being required. At the same time it is possible, with such current excitation of the field of the ignition generator, to obtain a shorter and lighter magnetic circuit, a high flux density and smaller cross sectional area of the magnetic circuit, than is possible where the field is excited by permanent magnets; and such current. excitation insures a field flux suiiiciently strong to give a strong ignition spark at relatively low speeds.

' These foregoingadvantages are especially important in conjunction with the flux shifting device which, of necessity, lengthens the magnetic circuit somewhat. By my invenof the high tension generator and 62 the de-' pending laminated iron section surrounded by the high tension generating winding 63. 64 is the flux shifter having a laminated iron section 65 arranged to cooperate with the polar face 62 of the laminated section 62, and a by-pass laminated iron section 66. 67 is a laminated iron flux distributor which is formed with threeequally spaced polar extensions 67.

The iron sections 65 and 66 of the fiux shifter are so angularly spaced in relation to each other that they cooperate with two of the poles of the flux distributor 67, as the latter rotates, in a manner analogous to the operation of the generator with the two pole flux distributor previously described. But the three pole flux distributor gives three complete cycles of flux increase and decrease through the generating winding 63 during each complete revolution of the rotor. Cor respondingly the circuit breaker as shownin Fig.- 9, has its actuating cam 68 formed so as to open and close the circuit through the coarse section of the generating winding three times during each revolution of the rotor, the opening and closing of the circuit being timed in relation to the flux distributor in the manner previously described in connection with the first form of construction.

In other respects the operation of this modified form of construction is substantially the same as that of the first form of construction and it will be seen that a generator constructed as indicated in Figsrs and 9 can be driven at crank shaft speed when used in connection with a six cylinder engine.

In Figs. lOand 11 is shown another form of construction which is especially adapted for use in connection with eight cylinder and twelve cylinder engines. In this construction 71 indicates the main field frame part of the high tension generator and 72 the depending laminated iron section surrounded by the high tension generating winding 73. 74 is the flux shifter comprising the nonmagnetic cylindrical carrier 7 5 and the laminated iron section 76 arranged to cooperate with the polar face 7 2* of the laminated section 72. The flux shifter in this construction has a laminated iron by-pass section 77 which is interiorly recessed to form at its ends active sections or poles 77, 77". 78 is a laminated iron flux distributor which is formed with four equally spaced polar extensions 78.

The iron sections 76 and 77, 71" of the flux shifter are so angularly spaced in relation to each other that the sections 77, 77 cooperate with two of the distributor poles 78 while the iron section 76 of the shifter cooperates with a third pole 7 8 in a manner analogous to that described in connection with the other forms of construction. But in the present construction the four pole flux distributor gives four complete cycles of flux increase and decrease through the generating winding 73 during each complete revolution of the rotor. Correspondingly, the circuit breaker, as shown in Fig. 11, has its actuating cam 79 formed so as to open and close the circuit through the coarse section of the generating winding four times during each revolution of the rotor, the opening and closing of the circuit being timed in relation to the flux distributor in the manner set forth in connection with the form of construction first described.

In other respects the operation of this modified form of construction is substantially the same as that of the first form of construction, and it will be seen'that a generator constructed as indicated in Figs. 10 and 11 can be driven at crank shaft speed when used in connection with an eight cylinder engine, and at one and one-half times crank shaft speed when used in connection with a twelve cylinder engine.

The advantages incident to the relatively low speed of rotation which the present invention makes possible. will be readily appreciated by those familiar with high speed multi-cylinder engine practice. Furthermore, the adapt-ability of the invention to the conditions of operation last referred to is not attended by any loss of the advantages which characterize the invention as shown in the first form of construction adapted for use with four cylinder engines.

The specific forms of construction herein set forth are to be considered simply as illustrative and explanatory and it will be understood that various modifications of construction and widely differing applications of the improvements may be made within the spirit and scope of the invention.

lVhat I claim is 2- 1. In apparatus for generating high tension ignition currents, the combination of a field structure comprising a stator and a rotor, a field exciting means, a high tension generating winding mounted on the stator in inductive relation to the exciting means and having a coarse section and a fine section, the stator, rotor and generating winding in operation being maintained in homopolar relation to eachother, an angu 'larly adjustable flux shifter between the stator and rotor, and means for opening homopolar relation to each other and the said rotor having an unwound flux distributor to distribute the fiux first through and then outside of the generating winding, an angularly adjustable flux shifter between the stator and the rotor and having a magnetic section to carry the flux through the generating winding and a bypass section to carry it outside the generating winding, and

' means for opening and closing the circuit through the coarse section of the generating Winding comprising an actuating cam on the rotor and separable electrodes carried by and adjustable withthe flux shifter.

3. In apparatus for generating high ten sion ignition currents, the combination of a magnetic field structure comprising a stator and a rotor, a field exciting means, a stationary high tension generating winding carried by the stator and having a coarse section and a fine section, the said rotor having an unwound fiux distributor to dis tribute the flux first through and then outside of the generating winding, a flux shifter between the stator and the rotor comprising a cylindrical non-magnetic frame and a magnetic section to carry the flux through the generating winding and a by-pass section to carry it outside the generating winding, the stator element of the magnetic field framebeing formed with a supporting bearing surface for the nonmagnetic frame of the flux shifter permitting angular adjustment of the latter about its axis to shift the path of the flux, and means for opening and closing the circuit through the coarse section of the generating winding comprising an actuating cam on the rotor and separable electrodescarriedby and adjustable with the flux shifter.

4. In apparatus for generating high tension ignition currents, the combination of a field structure comprising a stator'and a rotor which in operation are maintained in homopolar relation to each other, a field exciting means, a high tension generating winding carried by the stator and having a coarse section and a fine section, the said rotor having an unwound flux distributor with a plurality of polar extensions to dis- .tributethe fiux first through and then outside of the generating winding, an angularly adjustable fiux shifter between the stator and the rotor and having a magnetic section to carry the flux through the generating winding and magnetic by-pass parts arranged to simultaneously cooperate with a plurality of the distributor poles to carry the flux outside the generating winding, and means for opening and closing the circuit through the coarse section of the generating winding comprising an actuating cam on the rotor and separable electrodes carried by and adjustable with the flux shifter.- a

5. In apparatus for generating high tension ignition currents, the combination of a field structure comprising a stator and a rotor, a field exciting means, a high tension generating winding mounted on the stator in inductive relation to the exciting means and having a coarse section and a fine section, the stator, rotor and generating winding in operation being maintained in homopolar relation to each other, an angularly adjustable laminated iron flux shifting section between the stator and rotor, and means for opening and closing the circuit through the coarse section of the generating winding comprising an actuating cam on the rotor and se arable electrodes carried by and adjustable with the fiuX shifter.

6. In apparatus for enerating high tension ignition currents, the combination of a field structure comprising a stator and a rotor, a field exciting means, a stationary high tension generating winding carried by the stator and having a coarse section and a fine section, the stator, rotor and generating winding in operation being maintained in homopolar relation to each other and the said rotor comprising an unwound flux dist-ributer to distribute the flux first through and then outside of the generating winding, an angularly adjustable flux shifter between the stator and rotor and having a laminated iron section to carry the flux through the generating winding and a laminated by-pass section to carry it outside of the generating winding and means for opening and closing the circuit through the coarse section of the generating winding comprising an actuating cam on the .rotor and separable 'electrodes carried by and adjustable with the flux shifter.

7. In apparatus for generating high tension ignition currents, the combination of a field structure comprising a stator and a rotor, a field exciting means, a stationary high tension generating winding carried by the stator and havinga coarse section and a fine sect1on, the stator, rotor and generating winding in operation being maintained in homopolar relation to each other and the rotor having an unwound flux distributer with a plurality of polar extensions to distribute the flux first through and then outside of the generating winding, an angularly adjustable flux shifter between the stator and the rotor and having a laminated iron section to carry the flux through the generating winding and laminated iron by-paSs 1 parts arranged to-simultaneously cooperate with a plurality of the di stributerpoles to carry the flux outside the generating winding, and means for opening and closing the v circuit through the coarse section'of-the generating winding comprising an actuating cam on the rotor and separable electrodes carried by and adjustable withthe fiuxshifter.

In testimony whereof, I hereunto aflix my LEON J. LE PONTOIS.

. signature. 

